GIRLS TENNIS PREVIEW: Canandaigua, Pal-Mac look to defend titles

The Canandaigua girls tennis team broke through in 2012, winning its first Section 5 team championship in the program's history. Palmyra-Macedon captured another Finger Lakes East title and won its first sectional title since 2008.

Both teams will look to defend their titles this fall.

Victor is looking to build on a strong 2012 season in which the Blue Devils lost a close match to Canandaigua in the Class A sectional final. However, Victor is making the jump up to Class AA this fall.

In the Finger Lakes West, Bloomfield, Marcus Whitman, Midlakes and Naples will see if they can dethrone powerhouse Mynderse. The Big Green are coming off a loss in the Class C final.

Here's a look at the area's girls tennis teams:

Bloomfield Bombers

CLASS/LEAGUE: Class CC, Finger Lakes West

COACH/YEAR: Jacob Warner/12th Year

TOP PLAYER: Rayissa Amon, Jr.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Returning at first singles player after she qualified for individual sectionals in 2012.

COACH'S COMMENT: She's hard-working and loves to play tennis. We're trying to build a competitive program, have fun every day and learn the game.

ACHIEVEMENTS: DeMott and Smith played second and third singles respectively for the Braves last year.

COACH'S COMMENT: We need to rely on the depth of our ladder if we hope to repeat as sectional champions. We lost six starters from last year's squad, so we definitely need some of the newcomers to step up. The girls are working really hard, so that is a good sign.

Harley-Allendale Columbia Wolves

CLASS/LEAGUE: Class B, Independent

COACH/YEAR: Rajesh Singaravelu/1st Year

2012 RECORD/PLAYOFFS: 4-7, Lost in first round

TOP PLAYERS: Kristina Benjamin, Jr.; Ava Sauer, Sr.

COACH'S COMMENT: Both of the girls have put a lot of work into their game since the end of last season. They are extremely competitive. They are driven to play their absolute best but more importantly, I love how they encourage their teammates to play their best as well.

Page 2 of 3 - ACHIEVEMENTS: Rice went 9-1 in the league at first singles in 2012 and was the Daily Messenger's Girls Tennis Player of the Year. Smith went 6-3 at second singles in league matches in 2012.

COACH'S COMMENT: Watch out for 2012 Daily Messenger Player of the Year Heidi Rice. She has won two individual sectional third-place split-colored patches (2011 and 2012) in singles. She is determined to be her best ever in her senior year. She already looks sharp and is ready to be as competitive as possible with the best players in our league and section.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Leitner is returning at first singles. Kylee Peisher and Rebecca White had a winning record at doubles in 2012.

COACH'S COMMENT: This is my 16th year coaching girls varsity tennis team, and I am pleased to report that the girls from Midlakes look fairly strong this year. What I really feel will be different this year is the positive attitudes that easily flow from this team. They make me want to be a better coach.

COACH'S COMMENT: We are blessed with six starters returning, and addition of junior Grace Doebler makes up for the graduation loss of Gabby Marriott. Hopefully, Emily Sullivan and Sam Felice should repeat as Class C doubles champs. We have worked hard during the offseason and have had a great pre-season.